Nature Trail

Nature Trail

What is it? 

A nature trail is a planned outdoor walking route, along which are posts marking varying points of interest for people to stop and observe. They can include things such as nature, environmental features and objects of technological and cultural importance, and generally the marker posts have some information displayed for the walkers’ perusal.

What does it involve?

These sorts of trails can involve many different things, but they are all generally based around walking on a circuitous route or from point A to B. The lengths of the trails can vary from reasonably short 30 minute walks to taking many hours to complete – there are different types to include all sorts of different features.

Why do it and what are the benefits?

A nature trail is a great and easy way to get interested in the surrounding environment! The presented information means it requires no research on the things around you, so it’s hassle free and a alternative way of learning.

What equipment do we need?

You shouldn’t need any equipment other than appropriate outdoor clothing and footwear!

Who is it suitable for?

As long as you make sure the length and intensity of the nature trail is suitable for the ages of the students, it should be suitable for pretty much anyone!

Costs?

Most nature trails are generally free to access, but more specialist walks may have a guide available, which would have some costs! Make sure to check ahead of time.

Issues/Things to think about? (unsuitable for age groups, medical conditions etc)

Nature trails can take you a reasonable distance away from any towns, so if you have students with unpredictable medical conditions you must ensure you can call for medical help and that assistance can access your location easily! Also, young children should always be supervised carefully when in an unsecured outdoor location!

How do we include?

The nature of the outdoors means that the terrain can be rough or unpredictable, so those with physical disabilities may have issues navigating the route. Check with the trail’s organisers to find out the specific details.

Doing it abroad?

Foreign nature trails will be fascinating! They can give you a chance to see and learn about some of the features of different countries while seeing them in real life as opposed to pictures in books. Do some research beforehand to see what is going to be available in the area!

Main website: 

See specific venue websites for information about their nature trails.

 

See the list below for venues and providers who deliver this activity:

Stourhead

Palladian mansion and world-famous landscape garden
Venue Type: 
Parks and Gardens
Overall Rating: 
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When Stourhead first opened in the 1740s, a magazine described it as ‘a living work of art’. The world-famous landscape garden has at its centrepiece a magnificent lake reflecting classical temples, mystical grottoes, and rare and exotic trees, and offers a day of fresh air and discovery.

Uncover the fascinating history of Stourhead house with an Italian ‘Grand Tour’ adventure and enjoy the unique Regency library, Chippendale furniture and inspirational paintings. The Palladian mansion is set amid ‘picnic perfect’ lawns and extensive parkland.

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Malleny Garden

Venue Type: 
Parks and Gardens
Overall Rating: 
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This hidden treasure is a walled garden surrounded by woodland, found just outside Balerno, a suburb of Edinburgh.

The garden is a haven for plant lovers thanks to its large variety of colourful and fragrant flowers, plants and trees.

For school visits please phone or email in advance to arrange.

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Bodiam Castle

Archetypal 14th century moated castle with ruined interior - a glimpse of medieval splendour
Venue Type: 
Castles
Overall Rating: 
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Set in the heart of an historic landscape, with spiral staircases, battlements and a portcullis, 14th century Bodiam Castle is one of Britain's most picturesque and romantic ancient monuments. Windows where arrows were once fired, a tower that was once a look-out and ruins that were once walked upon by knights; this is a place where you can relive your childhood memories and let your imagination run riot.

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Canoe Trail

Venue Type: 
Outdoor Activity
Overall Rating: 
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A company for canoeing, kayaking and stand up paddleboarding. Crafts for hire, plus tuition and guided tours available.

There are a number of guided tours on kayak and canoes or you can hire the craft and go out paddling by yourself.

There are several different brands of kayaks and canoes to rent, plus they supply you with a range of accessories that you will need for your trip, including waterproof dry bags, waterproof top plus buoyancy aids.

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Combe Wood

Escape the bustle and enjoy a secluded woodland walk
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

Visit Combe Wood, 10 acres of mixed ash and oak woodland.

Criss-crossed with pathways, this is the perfect place for a sheltered walk on a warm day and a favourite for local residents.

In spring time the wood is transformed by a carpet of vibrant bluebells and purple orchids.

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Orford Ness National Nature Reserve

Internationally important nature reserve, with a fascinating 20th-century military history
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

Take a short boat trip to this wild and remote shingle spit, the largest in Europe.

Follow trails through a stunning landscape and a history that will both delight and intrigue.

Discover an internationally important nature reserve littered with debris and unusual, often forbidding, buildings from a sometimes disturbing past.

Find out all about the mysterious Orford Ness Pagodas while you are here.

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Claife Viewing Station & Windermere West Shore

Classic south Lakeland countryside with views of the fells and lakes
Venue Type: 
Historic Buildings & Monuments
Overall Rating: 
0

The western shore of Windermere is perfect for a car-free adventure for all the family. Why not travel over on the ferry from Bowness? In less than 15 minutes you’ll leave the busy eastern shore behind you and arrive at the naturally beautiful west shore.  

From here you can discover the mystical heights of Claife Viewing Station and learn about its colourful history.

The Station courtyard is perfect for picnics followed by a gentle wander up the slope where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Windermere, at the top.

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Bembridge and Culver Downs

Dramatic chalk cliffs with acres of open downland and coastal views
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

Bembridge and Culver Downs form a dramatic promontory at the east end of the Isle of Wight. The cliffs are part of the same chalk ridge that forms the Needles and cliffs of Tennyson Down in the west. Feel the wind in your hair and admire the views over Sandown Bay and the Solent from this high point perched on top of the cliffs. There is also over a mile of sandy and rocky beach accessible from Sandown with the red and white cliffs behind you.                                                  

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Brownsea Island

Famous for our red squirrels, wildlife and Scouting
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

Brownsea Island is dramatically located in Poole Harbour, with spectacular views across to the Purbeck Hills.

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Buttermere Valley

Tranquil area of dramatic fells, farms and woodland, encompassing three lakes
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
0

Buttermere in Old English means 'the lake by the dairy pastures'. Large numbers of Vikings settled in Cumbria during the 9th and 10th centuries and many names in the area are of Norse origin.

One of the most famous residents is Mary Robinson (1778-1837). Known as the Maid of Buttermere and the subject of Melvyn Bragg's novel, she was the daughter of the landlord of the Fish Inn in Buttermere village.

The wider Buttermere valley covers Crummock Water and Loweswater village and lake. The location is ideal for relaxing holidays and exploring.

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